filthy as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filthy as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare something to a high degree of filth or dirtiness. Example: "The room was filthy as a pigsty after the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mexico city's air is famously filthy, as is that of many Indian, Chinese, even Russian and East European cities.Then there is the car.

The Economist

Oh, filthy, as I remember, tawnily moribund; yet somehow heroically filthy.

The New Yorker

Why should you care whether the place was as filthy as hell?

The New Yorker

Dervla Kirwan is enchanting – frilly and filthy – as Peg Woffington, in "breeches" roles.

The Guardian

We've had a grumpily confrontational litter campaign and new bins and the city is as filthy as ever.

The Guardian

Working conditions are not only dangerous, but filthy as well, so I favor spiral sketchbooks with heavy fronts and backs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But you must see the necessity of leaving this filthy dive as soon as possible.

The New Yorker

Then he said he was "intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they pay their taxes".

The Guardian - Business

Peter Mandelson has asked us to make clear that he said he was "intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they pay their taxes".

The Guardian

Lord Mandelson has admitted he is no longer "intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they pay their taxes", given rising inequality and stagnating middle-class incomes brought about by the damaging downsides of globalisation.

The Guardian

That's why even though Jesus said he only came to save Jews some of us "filthy dogs" (as Jesus called non-Jews) still believe in him.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filthy as" to create vivid and impactful similes, particularly when emphasizing the extreme state of uncleanliness or moral corruption. For example, "The crime scene was as filthy as a slaughterhouse."

Common error

Avoid using "filthy as" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or clinical term might be more appropriate. In those settings, consider alternatives like "highly contaminated" or "severely soiled" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filthy as" primarily functions as part of a simile, used to intensify the description of something extremely dirty or morally repugnant. As noted by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and effectively used in expressive language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filthy as" is a common simile construction, predominantly found in News & Media contexts to amplify descriptions of extreme dirtiness or moral corruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While impactful, its informal tone makes it less suitable for academic or professional writing, where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "as dirty as" or "as foul as" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "filthy as", ensure it aligns with the context and intended impact, avoiding misuse in settings requiring neutrality or clinical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dirty as

Replaces "filthy" with a more common synonym.

as grimy as

Substitutes "filthy" with a term emphasizing ingrained dirt.

as foul as

Emphasizes an unpleasant or offensive quality.

as nasty as

Uses a more colloquial term for unpleasantness.

as polluted as

Focuses on contamination rather than general dirtiness.

as impure as

Indicates a lack of cleanliness or purity.

as obscene as

Shifts the meaning towards moral impurity or offensiveness.

as tainted as

Suggests contamination or corruption.

as sullied as

Highlights the tarnished or corrupted state of something.

as defiled as

Implies a violation or desecration, making something impure.

FAQs

How can I use "filthy as" in a sentence?

You can use "filthy as" to create similes that emphasize extreme dirtiness or moral corruption. For example, "The room was as filthy as a pigsty", or "His language was as filthy as gutter trash".

What are some alternatives to "filthy as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "as dirty as", "as grimy as", or "as foul as".

Is it appropriate to use "filthy as" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "Filthy as" is informal and should be avoided in formal or professional contexts. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives like "highly contaminated" or "severely soiled".

What is the difference between "filthy as" and "as dirty as"?

"Filthy as" often implies a more extreme or disgusting level of dirtiness than "as dirty as". "Filthy" also carries connotations of moral impurity or obscenity that "dirty" may not always have.